Network management system having an embedded network database

An embedded node for use in an ECHELON network comprising:

• a network database manager;
• a network database coupled to said network database manager;
• said network database manager responsive to network management service requests from multiple clients that may be disposed on said ECHELON network;
• and
• said network database including connection tables for maintenance of variable connection for multiple clients within said ECHELON network.

An ECHELON network including:

• a first node, said first node being an embedded node and including a network database manager and a network database coupled thereto, said network database manger responsive to network management service requests;
• a second node, said second node being an operator workstation and including a network service provider adapted to generate said network management service requests;
• and
• said second node including a plurality of clients adapted to generate said network management services requests;
• wherein said first node and said second node are communicably coupled through a network connection to facilitate ECHLON network management.

A method of operation in an ECHELON network said method comprising:

• executing a plurality of application programs in a first computer;
• executing a network service provider on said first computer, said network service provider being communicably coupled with said application program in the provision of network management services;
• and
• executing a network database manager on a second, embedded computer, said network database manager being communicably coupled to said network service provider through said ECHELON network in the provision of network database management to said network service provider.

A method of operation of an ECHELON network including an embedded node and at least two other nodes, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing said embedded node with a network database containing information relating to said at least two other nodes, and being responsive to communication from multiple clients;
• said embedded node receiving a first LONTALK message from a first node of said at least two other nodes, said message being a precipitator of a first network database action by said embedded node;
• said embedded node beginning said network database action resulting from said first LONTALK message;
• and
• said embedded node receiving a second LONTALK message from a second node of said at least two other nodes, said message being a precipitator of another network database action by said embedded node;
• and
• said embedded node completing said first network database action prior to acting upon said other network database action.